Medicare Monday: Growing Body of Research Finds Reduced Mortality After Part D

New research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign adds to a growing body of literature that finds the implementation of Medicare Part D has played a role in reducing mortality among the elderly. The new research expands upon previous examinations showing improved access to prescription medicines as a result of the Part D program has helped save lives.

Key findings from the new research include:

The implementation of Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit was followed by a 2.2 percent annual reduction in mortality among seniors.

The reduction was due primarily to a 4.4 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death for the elderly.

The reduction in elderly mortality attributed to Medicare Part D is worth about $5 billion per year savings for the program.

Medicare Part D continues to offer affordable access to prescription drug coverage for older and disabled Americans. The growing body of research highlighting improved health outcomes and reduced mortality demonstrates how Part D helps America’s seniors live longer, healthier lives.

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Andrew Powaleny Andrew Powaleny is Director of Public Affairs at PhRMA. Before joining PhRMA in 2015, he worked at the House Energy and Commerce Committee and later as a communications consultant. Andrew came to Washington, D.C. via Connecticut and proudly sings with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, runs with the DC Front Runners and serves on the Alumni Council for The Fund for American Studies. He is also a member of the National Lesbian Gay Journalists Association.